Kathleen Kelley

Kathleen Hoeing Kelley was born on November 8, 1943 in Fort Madison, Iowa to parents Leo and Arlene Hoenig. She was the oldest of seven children and family meant everything to her. She grew up attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Aquinas Catholic School.

In 1972, she married the love of her life, Lenard Dale Kelley, with whom she spent 53 years creating countless cherished memories and sharing many extraordinary adventures, including living in 10 states together. Along the way they were blessed with six loving children, 18 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Kathy—an intelligent, faithful, strong, passionate, loyal, and resilient woman—was the epitome of integrity. From her childhood in Fort Madison to her dearest friends at Good Shephard Catholic Church, Colleyville, Texas, she was a beloved friend to many. She never met a stranger and cared deeply about the people in her life, pouring into her relationships as she journeyed through this lifetime as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, hospice volunteer, avid reader, and devout woman of faith.

She embraced everything she did with love, enthusiasm, diligence, and laughter. She was a member of Contemplative Outreach’s Centering Prayer, her Merton Book Study, and her beloved Sisters Group. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed studying other cultures and religions while remaining steadfast in her personal Catholic beliefs. Kathy’s laughter was contagious, and joy was evident simply being in her presence.

Kathy was not only a mom to six kids, but also a military wife who bravely moved her family every three years while her husband proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. As they raised their family, she studied to become a respiratory therapist and believed strongly in helping others. She was also known to take in stray animals and even took in her kids’ stray friends, allowing them to join her family as well. Kathy built a sense of community wherever she went.

She instilled those values in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and was very involved in their lives. She could often be found reading them her favorite children’s book, The Little Engine that Could.

In her thirst for knowledge, Kathy spent the second half of her life enrolling in numerous classes, participating in book studies, and helping so many with her wisdom and years of experience. In the 14 months following her cancer diagnosis, Kathy never complained. She maintained her faith, kept a positive attitude, remained joyful, and always expressed her deep gratitude for the loving care and attention she received from her medical teams, dear friends, and cherished family members.

Kathy was well known for saying, “This is not our forever home.” Her faith was strong, and she lived her entire life as one of the most loving, forgiving, uplifting, and optimistic people her loved ones ever knew. She will be dearly missed.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Arlene Hoenig, and her daughter, Darlene Gardner.

She is survived by her husband, Lenard (Dale), her children, Bryan (Kenna) Stephens, Lou Davis, Debbie (Dan) McGrath, Joanna (Bobby) Wurth, and Lenny (Jeanette) Kelley, along with 18 grandkids and 11 great-grandchildren.

Honorary Pall Bearers:  Blake Stephens, Sean Thornton, Clayton Slee, Kevin Porras, Miles Wurth, and Bryan Dexter.

Visitation to be held Monday, September 29th at 3:30-5:00 PM, with rosary immediately following at Lucas Funeral Home 1601 South Main Street, Keller Texas 76248

Funeral Mass to be held Tuesday, September 30th at 12:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church, 214 NW 20th Street, Fort Worth, Texas

76164.